Two Days of Bliss in Cartagena: A Caribbean Escape

The moment I landed in Cartagena, the humid Caribbean air wrapped around me—hotter than Rio! Stepping into the walled old town felt like teleporting to Spain. 🏨 Where I Stayed: A Hidden Gem Del Mar Guest House (Getsemaní district, 10-min walk to Centro): Spacious rooms with kitchenettes 🍳 Rooftop pool overlooking the bay and city walls 🌊 Only 6 rooms—intimate & boutique (just ¥500/night!) Day 1: Sloths & Sunsets 🦥 Centenario Park: Found sloths (!) active in the afternoon (morning = just lizards 🦎 and monkeys). 🍦 Gelateria Tramonti: Good, but Salento’s artisanal gelato ruined me forever. 📚 Ábaco Libros y Café: Sat outside Márquez’s favorite bookstore—perfect people-watching corner (watch for traffic!). 🌅 Baluarte de Santo Domingo: Leaned on 16th-century walls as the sun melted into the Caribbean. A guitarist sang for tips—"gracias" + $ = smile. Day 2: Heat & Hustle 🍽️ Local Eats: Restaurante Coroncoro: Tender fish + heavenly coconut rice 🥥 + lulo juice = ¥50 bliss. Restaurante Espiritu Santo (skip the over-salted old fish—locals love it anyway). 🛍️ La Serrezuela Mall: A bullring-turned-shopping oasis—snagged LOTO skincare (cheap & good!). Why Cartagena Wins ❤️ No agenda needed: Wander, stare, repeat. Safe nights: Street performers, salsa beats, zero stress. Spanish soul: Like Granada, but with lizards and rum. Skip pushy island-tour touts—this city’s magic is in its cobbled slowdown. #CartagenaVibes #ColombianCaribbean #SlowTravel